The founder of Wado ryu, Hironori Otsuka, was born on 1 June 1892 in Shimodate, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. In 1898, Otsuka began practicing koryu jujutsu under Chojiro Ebashi. From 1905–1921, he studied Shindo Yoshin ryu jujutsu under Tatsusaburo Nakayama. In 1922, he met Ginchin Funakoshi and began to train under him. In 1924, Otsuka became one of the first students promoted to black belt in karate by Funakoshi. To broaden his knowledge of Karate, Otsuka also studied with other prominent masters such as Kenwa Mabuni of Shito ryu and Motobu Choki. In 1929, Otsuka organized the first school karate club at Tokyo University.
In 1938, Otsuka registered his style of karate with the Dai Nippon ButokuKai under the name of "Shinshu Wado ryu Karate Jujutsu." Soon after, this was shortened to "Wado ryu" (和道流). In 1938, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai awarded Otsuka the title Renshi and in 1942, the title of Kyoshi.
In 1952, the Wado ryu headquarters (honbu) was established at the Meiji University dojo in Tokyo. In 1954, its name was changed to Zen Nippon Karate Renmei (All Japan Karate Federation).
In 1964, the Japan Karate Do Federation (JKF) was established as a general organization for all karate styles. Wado ryu joined this organization as a major group.
In 1966, Otsuka was awarded Kun Goto Soukuo Kyokujujutsu (comparable to a knighthood) by Emperor Hirohito for his dedication to the introduction and teaching
of karate. On 5 June 1967, the name "Japan Karate Do Wado Kai" was officially used.
In 1972, the President of Kokusai Budo Renmei, a member of the Japanese royal family, awarded Otsuka the Shodai Karate Do Meijin Judan
(First Generation karate master 10th Dan); this was the first time this honor had been bestowed on a karate practitioner.
In 1938, Otsuka registered his style of karate with the Dai Nippon ButokuKai under the name of "Shinshu Wado ryu Karate Jujutsu." Soon after, this was shortened to "Wado ryu" (和道流). In 1938, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai awarded Otsuka the title Renshi and in 1942, the title of Kyoshi.
In 1952, the Wado ryu headquarters (honbu) was established at the Meiji University dojo in Tokyo. In 1954, its name was changed to Zen Nippon Karate Renmei (All Japan Karate Federation).
In 1964, the Japan Karate Do Federation (JKF) was established as a general organization for all karate styles. Wado ryu joined this organization as a major group.
In 1966, Otsuka was awarded Kun Goto Soukuo Kyokujujutsu (comparable to a knighthood) by Emperor Hirohito for his dedication to the introduction and teaching
of karate. On 5 June 1967, the name "Japan Karate Do Wado Kai" was officially used.
In 1972, the President of Kokusai Budo Renmei, a member of the Japanese royal family, awarded Otsuka the Shodai Karate Do Meijin Judan
(First Generation karate master 10th Dan); this was the first time this honor had been bestowed on a karate practitioner.